The Executive Secretariat of the International Olive Council (IOC) has announced that it will earmark €50,000 to promote olive and olive oil culture in its 45 member countries.
The goal is to boost table olive and olive oil consumption by raising consumers’ awareness about their healthy and organoleptic qualities.
The IOC will award grants to cover up to 50 percent of the total expenses of approved projects to a maximum of €5,999. Applications will be accepted until September 2nd and approved projects must take place between November 1st and December 15th.
See Also:U.N. Developing Olive Groves and Mills in Drought-Prone Areas of IraqThe projects also must not be carried out for the profit of their promoters, and the grants are limited to one per participant. The IOC added that only eligible costs will be reimbursed.
“The objective of the grants is, inter alia, to build up a market culture in member countries that wish to emphasize the quality of local products and encourage cooperation amongst all IOC member countries,” the IOC said.
“Proposed action and events should be of clear-cut promotional worth, in line with the objectives laid out in the International Agreement on Olive Oil and Table Olives 2015,” they added.
The agreement served as a follow-up to the original one signed in 2005 and focused on standardization and research; olive growth and technology; and the “olive economy.”
The call for proposals also lists a series of possible activities, such as the organization of seminars, workshops and symposiums, the establishment of information points in food and nutrition fairs and events, the creation of promotional material and the participation of international experts and specialists.
The promotion of olive oil culture has often been cited by producers as one of the most urgent priorities for the sector.
The IOC’s latest initiative comes on the heels of several local and regional initiatives aimed at raising awareness about the unique qualities of extra virgin olive oil.
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